Spring Fling: Bistro MD- Day 5, AND 5 Day Meal Plan Giveaway~ 5/22

Bistro MD: Day 5

I woke up to day 5 of my Bistro MD Gourmet Meal Plan sad to know it would be my last, this go around. Selected for breakfast were Spinach Ricotta Crepes with Waldorf Apples, an interesting twist on the typically sweet crepe, and familiar presentation. With 14g of protein, and 290 calories, this was a hefty breakfast for such a dainty dish. The dense, pureed, filling consisted of finely chopped leaf spinach and julienne sun dried tomatoes blended with part-skim ricotta cheese for a creamy texture that worked well with the delicate crepes. I'd like to note that, while Bistro MD does take into account allergies and dietary restrictions, I have found each of my meal plan experiences to be very light in dairy- a nice relief for my digestive system. To balance out the savory main dish, the meal included a portion of Cinnamon Waldorf Apples topped with Craisins. In general, this meal lacked the sweetness I crave in the morning, so I finished with a 6oz serving of apple juice.

For a snack this afternoon I reached for Bistro MD's provided Cereal Bar, a pressed stick of graham like squares with marshmallow like binding. It was, in fact, the opposite thoughts I'd had at breakfast, for this bar was quite sweet, yet packed with filling protein. When lunch rolled around I was still rather full, my body officially adjusted to the timing regimen. I came across the familiar, and somewhat light Turkey With Cranberry Quinoa, weighing in at 390 calories (almost 1/3 more than my breakfast for the day). I was a bit perplexed to see the unusual protein featured, at lunch, 2 days back to back. This turkey, however, was sliced much thinner and visibly featured dark and white meat. One would think this might make it a victim to overcooking, yet the entire dish (once again) heated beautifully! Blanketed in a thick and creamy Orange Cranberry Compote, alongside a Puree of Hubbard Squash, and atop a bed of Quinoa Pilaf, it was remarkable satisfying. Once again Bistro MD reached back into my home comfort zone, with a traditional holiday inspired dish, that I rarely get to enjoy outside of Winter. What a treat!

Rounding out my day with just over 900 calories total (1,190 including my evening snack), was yet a protein I had learned to look forward too; Salmon with Pepper Coulis. Featuring a generous fillet of oven seared North Atlantic Salmon, I can honestly say I wrapped up my meal plan on a high. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; Bistro MD's flash frozen process masters the art of preserving gourmet cooked meals, bringing the restaurant to your table. This is a prime example of why the program is much more than a 'meal delivery' or 'diet' plan. Bistro MD is a tangible option for everyone from busy moms to food enthusiasts! I am continually impressed with Bistro MD's ability to infuse multiple cultures into their line-up, and offer such a diverse selection of meals that never seems to get old.

Not only was the oven seared Salmon fillet more than I could happily consume, but the moist and flaky texture proved it had been cooked to perfection, fresh, by a real chef. It was smothered in a rich, creamy, Red and Yellow Pepper Coulis that helped color the dish and truly make the meal pop visually. Remember, when your food is presented appetizingly you tend to eat slower, enjoy your meal more, and consume less over all. The bed of Quinoa was integrated with a flavorful blend of julienne sun dried tomatoes, slivered kalamata olives and chopped leaf spinach. What I could not finish I insisted my other half eat, for fear a single fork-full might be wasted. It was that delicious!

Bistro MD: 5 Day Meal Plan (With Snacks) Summary

Having now had the opportunity to try a complete Meal and Snack Bistro MD plan, I heartily suggest the $20 upgrade to include snacks. If you're new to the program, or starting a diet, it can be difficult to make wise decisions, and the structure is truly priceless. Not to mention the snacks were a great way to mix up the monotony of my day, and a fun pep between meals. When broken down, for a 1 week plan I would receive 20 gourmet meals for an average daily cost of $22.60 a day (excluding shipping). That works out to about $7 a meal, on the meals only plan, or just over $25 a day on the complete Meal Plan. Considering the nutritional value, sheer variety, and fresh, tender ingredients that nearly always cooked perfectly (oh, and convenience!) the price is right on the money, if not a bargain!

It's important to note that Bistro MD is not geared towards the importance of weight loss, but the overall health of it's consumers. While their structured gourmet meal plans can certainly aid in meeting fitness and weight loss goals, the biggest impact is how you will feel. In all of my Bistro MD experiences I have enjoyed a week of increased energy, better sleep, and an overall mood upgrade! However, when simply crunched for time, Bistro MD is a lifesaver for even those not dieting. Paired with the FREE dietitian support, and doctor designed meals that are engineered to meet your specific restrictions it's easy to understand why Dr Phil calls this his favorite home delivery program!

I, personally love Bistro MD for the expert support I so desperately need to guide me down the right path to healthier eating habits. Having a plan and aide like this when beginning any major lifestyle change is essential. If you can work with Bistro MD for a month or so, I feel like the program will offer a better understanding of healthy eating, and stronger footwork for a healthy lifestyle outside the program. And for anyone single, or just plain busy, having gourmet meals waiting in the freezer can be a life saver when the temptation to 'just eat out' arises. Bistro MD is unlike anything you'll find in your grocer's freezer, from variety and flavor to sheer convenience!

While each meal may have not been what I would have bought from the store, or prepared, I ate every one. The portions were perfect, and on a few occasions even more than I could eat. The meats heated conveniently in the microwave from a flash frozen state to a freshly prepared quality. I especially enjoyed how my menu crossed several continents and included new tastes and flavors. I never got bored, and in the rare instance I was less than thrilled with the types of ingredients I knew the next meal brought new promise. One thing I was especially glad to see this time around was the return of Salmon and Tilapia- executed brilliantly! I'd also be interested to find more Asian inspired dishes work their way into the line-up, and perhaps more corn?

Personally, I found less temptation while on the Bistro MD meal plan, as I was nearly always full. I had fun plating my dishes, which looked quite gourmet when out of their easy heat containers, and was thrilled to see the company has actively been working on their exterior packaging. When you receive 20+ entrees at once, organizing them is a big issue, and the more visible the contents are from the outside, the easier my meals are to prepare. Unfortunately, the labels still continue to smear when they come in contact with moisture- so be sure not to put any heated trays on top, if you plan on consulting the dietary information later.

In conclusion, I would most certainly use Bistro MD again. As far as I could determine, based on following the exact meal plan provided by Bistro MD for one whole week, I registered a weight loss of 3lbs! This may not seem so shocking, but I'm thrilled if I loose 2 a week, and the extra energy really translated to more exercise, and calories burned. Bistro MD has also caused me to look at my at home eating habits and make improvements from the schedule that had been put in place while on the meal plan. I foresee many honest recommendations coming from me in the feature, Bistro MD exceeded my every expectation once again!

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